SusanB. Anthony Dollar VS. Sacagawea Dollar – Which is Rarer Today?

Coins are not just a means of exchange—they are historical artifacts, collectibles, and sometimes hidden treasures. Among modern U.S. coins, two dollar coins stand out: the Susan B. Anthony Dollar and the Sacagawea Dollar. Both were minted with distinctive designs and purposes, but collectors often wonder: which coin is rarer today? This comprehensive guide explores the history, design, mintage, rarity, and collector value of these two iconic dollar coins.

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar: History and Significance

The Susan B. Anthony Dollar was introduced in 1979 to honor Susan B. Anthony, a pioneering women’s rights activist who played a crucial role in securing women’s right to vote in the United States. This coin was historically significant for two reasons:

  1. It celebrated the accomplishments of a woman on U.S. currency for the first time (excluding allegorical depictions like Liberty).
  2. It was part of the U.S. Mint’s effort to replace the larger Eisenhower Dollar with a smaller, more practical coin.

B. Design

  • Obverse (Front): Features a portrait of Susan B. Anthony designed by Frank Gasparro.
  • Reverse (Back): Depicts an eagle landing on the moon, adapted from the Apollo 11 mission insignia, symbolizing American achievement.
  • Composition: Copper-nickel clad, giving it a silvery appearance.

C. Minting and Circulation

The coin was first issued in 1979, then minted again in 1980 and 1981. Production resumed briefly in 1999 due to increased demand for dollar coins.

  • Total Circulation: Millions of coins were produced, but the coin faced widespread public rejection because its size and color were too similar to the quarter, causing confusion in vending machines and cash registers.

Despite its initial failure in general circulation, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar became popular among collectors due to its historical significance and low usage in daily transactions.

The Sacagawea Dollar: History and Significance

The Sacagawea Dollar was introduced in 2000 as part of an effort to improve the public’s acceptance of dollar coins. Unlike the Susan B. Anthony Dollar, the Sacagawea Dollar was gold-colored and visually distinct, designed to be more user-friendly.

  • Namesake: Sacagawea, the Shoshone woman who guided Lewis and Clark during their historic expedition in the early 1800s.
  • Purpose: To honor her contribution to American history and to provide a coin that would circulate effectively in commerce.

B. Design

  • Obverse (Front): Features a portrait of Sacagawea holding her infant son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, designed by Glenna Goodacre.
  • Reverse (Back): Originally featured a soaring eagle, designed by Thomas D. Rogers. Since 2009, the reverse design has changed annually to highlight different Native American contributions.
  • Composition: Manganese-brass clad, giving it a distinctive golden hue.

C. Minting and Circulation

The Sacagawea Dollar was widely minted and continues to be produced in limited numbers for circulation and collectors. Its size, color, and edge lettering made it more distinguishable from other coins, increasing public acceptance compared to its predecessor.

Comparing the Mintage Numbers

One of the key factors in determining rarity is the mintage number—how many coins were produced.

A. Susan B. Anthony Dollar

YearMintMintage
1979Philadelphia169,859,000
1979Denver175,500,000
1980Philadelphia173,750,000
1980Denver173,500,000
1981Philadelphia65,800,000
1981Denver124,800,000
1999Philadelphia80,000,000
1999Denver70,000,000

Despite these high numbers, the coin’s low circulation usage makes certain years and mint marks (like the 1981 Philadelphia) more sought after by collectors.

B. Sacagawea Dollar

YearMintMintage
2000Philadelphia531,000,000
2000Denver341,000,000
2001Philadelphia283,000,000
2001Denver280,000,000
2002Philadelphia299,000,000
2002Denver298,000,000

The Sacagawea Dollar generally had much higher mintage numbers and circulated more widely, which ironically makes some early Sacagawea coins less rare than certain Susan B. Anthony varieties.

Factors Affecting Rarity

Several factors determine which coin is rarer today:

  1. Survival Rate: How many coins remain in good condition. Many Susan B. Anthony Dollars were lost or damaged due to heavy handling or poor storage.
  2. Special Varieties: Coins with errors, low-mintage years, or specific mint marks are considered rarer.
  3. Collector Demand: Public interest in historical figures like Susan B. Anthony or Sacagawea affects the perceived rarity.
  4. Condition (Grade): Coins in uncirculated condition are far rarer than those heavily circulated.

Notable Rare Susan B. Anthony Dollar Coins

Some Susan B. Anthony Dollars are particularly valuable and sought after:

  • 1981-P Philadelphia Mint: Low production numbers make this coin rare among collectors.
  • 1979-S Proof Coins: Struck with special dies for collectors, these coins command higher prices.
  • Error Coins: Coins with misaligned strikes, double dies, or missing mint marks are extremely rare.

Prices for these rare coins can range from $50 to $5,000 or more, depending on condition and rarity.

Notable Rare Sacagawea Dollar Coins

While generally more common, certain Sacagawea Dollars are valuable:

  • 2000-P and 2000-D: Early proof coins in exceptional condition.
  • 2000-P Business Strike: Limited numbers make it sought after.
  • 2000 Sacagawea Dollar With Extra Clad Layer (Error Coin): Extremely rare error coins exist that can sell for thousands.

How to Identify Rare Coins

A. Check the Year and Mint Mark

  • Susan B. Anthony coins: Look for 1979, 1981, and 1999.
  • Sacagawea coins: Focus on 2000, 2001, and proof coins.

B. Look for Errors

  • Misaligned strikes, double dies, or missing mint marks increase value.

C. Condition and Grading

  • MS-65 to MS-70 (mint state) coins are the most valuable.
  • Use professional services like PCGS or NGC for authentication.

D. Metal Composition

  • Susan B. Anthony: Copper-nickel clad, silver appearance.
  • Sacagawea: Manganese-brass, golden hue.

Collector Tips

  1. Store coins properly: Use protective holders and avoid excessive handling.
  2. Check pocket change: Rare coins sometimes remain unnoticed in circulation.
  3. Buy from reputable sources: Avoid scams when acquiring high-value coins.
  4. Stay informed: Monitor coin auctions, catalogs, and numismatic publications.

Popularity and Public Acceptance

  • Susan B. Anthony Dollar: Public rejection due to size and color confusion with quarters.
  • Sacagawea Dollar: Wider acceptance due to distinctive golden color and smooth circulation.

Despite public opinion, collector interest has increased over the years, with rare coins commanding high prices regardless of circulation popularity.

Comparison Table: Susan B. Anthony vs. Sacagawea

FeatureSusan B. Anthony DollarSacagawea Dollar
First Issued19792000
DesignSusan B. Anthony portraitSacagawea holding her child
MetalCopper-nickel cladManganese-brass clad
ColorSilverGolden
Circulation AcceptancePoorBetter
Notable Rare Years1981-P, 1979-S proof2000-P, error coins
Collector ValueModerate to HighModerate to High
RarityHigher for specific yearsLower, generally
Mint MarksP, DP, D
PopularityHistorical significanceHistorical significance

Conclusion

So, which is rarer today?

  • In general, specific Susan B. Anthony Dollars (like 1981-P or 1979-S proof) are rarer than most Sacagawea Dollars.
  • Sacagawea Dollars are more common due to higher mintage and better circulation.
  • Collector value depends on year, mint mark, condition, and errors rather than popularity alone.

For collectors, the Susan B. Anthony Dollar holds more potential for rarity, while the Sacagawea Dollar remains a beautiful, historically significant coin. Both coins are important pieces of modern U.S. numismatics.

FAQs:

Which coin is rarer today, Susan B. Anthony or Sacagawea?

Specific Susan B. Anthony Dollars, like 1981-P and 1979-S proof, are rarer than most Sacagawea Dollars.

Can Susan B. Anthony Dollars still be found in circulation?

Yes, while uncommon, these coins occasionally appear in circulation due to low public usage in the 1980s.

What makes Sacagawea Dollars valuable to collectors?

Limited proof coins, error coins, and coins in mint state condition significantly increase their collector value.

How can I identify a rare dollar coin?

Check the year, mint mark, metal composition, errors, and get professional grading from NGC or PCGS.

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